Flexible tubing occlusion sensor

Abstract

A system for sensing fluid conduit occlusion that reacts to occlusion force applied by changing the state of a switch only if a predetermined minimum force has been applied through the conduit. The system includes a contact member arm that cooperates with a force sensitive plunger to engage or separate a pair of contact members in response to application of a minimum force to the plunger. The plunger is positioned within a sensor gap through which the conduit extends.

I claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus for sensing an occlusion force on a flexible fluid conduit wherein said conduit is pinched between opposing surfaces, said apparatus comprising two opposed pinching surfaces positioned at opposite sides of said conduit to provide said occlusion force, one surface forming a part of a force sensor, said sensor comprising a member responsive to compression of said conduit, said member responsive to compression comprising a plunger member. 
     
     
       2. An apparatus for sensing an occlusion force on a flexible fluid conduit wherein said conduit is pinched between opposing surfaces, said apparatus comprising two opposed pinching surfaces positioned on opposite sides of said conduit to provide said occlusion force, one surface comprising a force sensor, said force sensor comprising a member responsive to compression of said conduit, said member responsive to compression of said conduit being biased against movement, but upon experiencing sufficient compression being operative to move. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus for sensing an occlusion force on a flexible fluid conduit wherein said conduit is pinched between opposing surfaces, said apparatus comprising two opposed pinching surfaces positioned at opposite sides of said conduit to provide said occlusion force, one surface forming a part of a force sensor, said sensor comprising a member responsive to compression of said conduit, and a device responsive to said member responsive to compression of said conduit to indicate sufficient compression of said conduit to cause said member to move. 
     
     
       4. An apparatus for sensing an occlusion force on a flexible fluid conduit wherein said conduit is pinched between opposing surfaces, said apparatus comprising two opposed pinching surfaces positioned at opposite sides of said conduit to provide said occlusion force, one surface forming part of a force sensor, said sensor comprising an axially movable plunger member and a switch actuated by said plunger member.